Bavarian Beer and Oktoberfest Tour

Today in Munich, we’ll dive deeper into Bavaria’s brewing heritage with two interesting visits to Munich breweries, both with a particular focus on Carl von Linde, a Bavarian pioneer in refrigeration whose inventions transformed brewing by allowing consistent, year-round production—a game-changer in beer history. First we visit the Spaten Brewery, where his very first cooling unit was installed in 1873. Spaten was founded in 1397, yet is only the second oldest brewery in Munich. We follow this up with a special visit to an historical Linde ice machine, used for decades by the Paulaner Brewery. Lunch today is at Paulaner's traditional brewing location.

In the afternoon, we’ll take a scenic excursion to the Andechs Monastery, perched on a hill overlooking beautiful Bavarian countryside. Famous for its monastic brews, Andechs offers an authentic taste of Bavarian tradition and spirituality, where we’ll enjoy the rich, full-bodied beers crafted by the monks along with stunning views and a truly memorable cultural experience.

Today, we venture into the picturesque Bavarian alpine foothills, beginning with an outside visit to the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle, where you'll have time to take in its breathtaking views and photograph one of the most iconic castles in the world. Next, we’ll head to a nearby brewery in a small village for lunch, where traditional Bavarian dishes and the fresh brews make for an unforgettable meal in a rustic alpine foothills setting.

After lunch, we’ll travel to Nesselwang and visit a local Gasthaus for an intimate tour of their brewery, learning about the unique methods and ingredients that give their beers a distinct regional character. Nearby is the perfect alpine coaster ride, not too fast, not too slow, where you can glide down the mountain amidst delightful mountain scenery—a thrilling way to cap off a day in Bavaria’s beautiful landscapes.

Today, we journey through Bavaria's beer heartland, starting with a scenic drive to the Holledau region, the world’s largest hop-growing area. Our first stop is the Hops Museum in Wolnzach, where you’ll explore the cultivation and flavor of Bavaria’s prized hops, known as "green gold."

Next, we head to Uehlfeld along the Aischberger Bierstrasse. Known as "Storktown" for its nesting stork population, this charming village offers an authentic Franconian experience. Enjoy a traditional lunch at a family-run brewery, where hearty dishes pair perfectly with their carefully crafted brews.

We then arrive in the vibrant town of Bamberg, the heart of the Franconian beer region and home to the world’s highest concentration of breweries. Our first stop is the Franconian Brewers Museum, where historical artifacts and exhibits reveal the rich brewing heritage of this region. Bamberg boasts a variety of unique small breweries, making it ideal for an evening of tavern hopping. We’ll end the night with a delicious meal at a cozy brewery restaurant, savoring Franconian specialties and, of course, the renowned Bamberg beer.

Today's tour begins with a sensory visit to Weyermann® Specialty Malts, a world market leader in the manufacturing of caramel- and roasting malts. Here you will discover the process of transforming barley into malt, the backbone of more than 60,000 beers in 135 countries around the world. You'll learn about the nuances of the malting process, from soaking to drying to roasting, creates the flavors and colors that define the world's brews.

Next, we head to Kulmbach, known as the "secret beer capital of Bavaria." Here, we'll visit the Bavarian Brewers Museum, housed in a historic brewery, which offers a fascinating journey through Bavaria's beer history, traditions, and brewing techniques - and of course a tasting as well. Enjoy a hearty Bavarian lunch on site, pairing local dishes with freshly brewed Kulmbach beers.

In the afternoon, we return to Bamberg, where you'll have free time to explore at your own pace. Wander Bamberg’s cobblestone streets, visit its UNESCO-listed old town, or sample more of its unique smoky beers at local taverns. This leisurely afternoon lets you soak in Bamberg's charm, whether you’re drawn to its historic architecture or its vibrant beer scene.

Our final brewery visit is to Kuchlbauer Weissbier brewery, known not only for its exceptional wheat beer but also for its fusion of art and brewing. The tour here includes a climb to the top of the 35-meter (115-foot) brewing tower, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views, followed by a refreshing glass of their delicious wheat beer in the Biergarten below. We then return to Munich through Bavaria’s hop-growing heartland, finishing the day with a celebratory group meal in the city.

Fond farewells, as we bring you to the Munich airport or otherwise say a heartfelt "auf Wiedersehen".